A good set of bedding is about more than aesthetics—the fabrics you lay your head or face on at night can directly support, or hinder, your skin’s health.
Your skin is in constant contact with what you wear and sleep on. Whether or not you’re picky about what fabrics you sleep on, your skin might be. Breathability and moisture control, friction and texture, and even chemical exposure are all factors that textiles bring to the table.
Your clothes and sheets can either support or stealthily sabotage your skin health. Here’s our ranking of fabrics that can help guide your next bed-set shopping list.
#1: Organic Cotton – Gentle, Breathable, and Hypoallergenic
Organic cotton, not to be confused with conventional cotton, is defined based on how it’s grown, processed and it’s overall impact on your skin and the earth. It’s grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, which can sneak their way into the fabric itself, and into your skin as you sleep.
Organic cotton is hypoallergenic, making it gentle for sensitive skin and conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It’s naturally breathable, wicking away moisture and allowing airflow throughout the night. This helps prevent clogged pores, rashes, and body acne.
It’s also undeniably soft on the skin—minimizing friction makes it comfortable for everyday wear and bedding by reducing irritation or chafing.
#2: Bamboo – Antibacterial + Moisture-Wicking
This ultra-durable, plant-based fabric is the most natural and eco-friendly material on our list, but it’s also the most labour-intensive, and therefore expensive.
Bamboo linen is created by crushing the plant stalks, and then adding natural enzymes to soften the fabric. From there, fibers are combed out and spun into yarn. The result is an ultra-soft texture often compared to silk, making it ideal for easily irritated skin.
This super-plant naturally resists bacteria and odour, helping reduce breakouts and skin inflammation. Similar to cotton, it can also help with temperature-regulation, keeping the skin cool and dry through the night, and combating sweat-related irritation.
#3: Linen – Lightweight + Non-Comedogenic
Linen, specifically flax-based, is similarly derived from plant-based and natural materials. The result is a naturally antimicrobial fabric that resists bacteria and allergens, making it excellent for acne-prone or reactive skin.
The texture of the weave is slightly rougher than cotton or bamboo, offering a unique and exfoliating effect, supporting skin cell turnover—especially in bedding. Imagine having some of your skincare routine done for you literally as you sleep?!
Linen is a thermoregulating fabric, meaning that it keeps your skin cool in the summer and warm in the winter, soothing temperature-related skin irritation in all climates and seasons.
Fabrics to Avoid for Skin Health
Not all fabrics are created equal, and while there are many more skin-loving options like silk or hemp, there are definitely some materials you’ll want to avoid for your skin’s sake.
Polyester, nylon and acrylic fabrics can trap heat and moisture through the night, causing sebum buildup, breakouts, rashes, or yeast-related skin issues.
Tight synthetic fabrics can also worsen body acne and breakouts. As they’re are often made with chemical finishes or synthetic dyes, and don’t offer much breathability, your skin is in constant contact and direct with chemicals that may irritate your skin.
Dress for Skin You Love
Ultimately, your fabrics should be gentle, and support skin breathability. As with skincare, natural and plant-based options in fabric offer the freedom and comfort that your skin craves.
You don’t have to rush out and replace all your sheets or buy a new wardrobe, but we encourage you to start with some small swaps to see the difference it makes, and find out which fabrics work best for your skin’s unique needs.
Try mixing in a pair of organic cotton underwear, or a bamboo-linen pillow, and thank us later.
